This year, about 795,000 Americans will have a stroke and nearly 168,000 of those people will die. On average, every 40 seconds someone in the U. S. has a stroke.

Stroke is a major health problem that can cause permanent disability and death. Stroke is the country's third largest killer after cancer and heart disease and the largest single cause of adult disability - roughly half of stroke survivors are permanently disabled or require institutional care.

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset recently held the grand opening of the Edward and Anita Hogan Neuroscience Pavilion, a new all-inclusive, advanced unit located on the fourth floor of the hospital designed to enhance quality of care for patients suffering from disorders of the nervous system, such as stroke, epilepsy (seizures), brain tumors, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease. A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on Wednesday, Nov. 7 in recognition of the generous community members who fully funded the $3.5 million neuroscience pavilion through philanthropic dollars and community donations.

The new neuroscience center occupies 13,600 square feet on the fourth floor of the hospital and includes:

A dedicated medical team certified in delivering neurological care staffs the new unit to ensure the highest level of care. Specially trained nursing staff not only provide optimum care to this special population, but are attuned to the unique concerns of patients' loved ones.

Advanced technology is a distinguishing element of the neuroscience pavilion. The new unit is equipped with the GetWellNetwork’s interactive patient education system, which will afford each patient a personal account linked to his or her medications.

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset is certified as a Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission and the New Jersey State Department of Health and Senior Services, one of only 21 facilities in New Jersey to achieve this designation.